“We believe we made a strong representation to Sunderland, together with the Football League, for a much bigger allocation and we also offered to work together with Sunderland to assist with the management of our supporters

“We understand that safety of fans in sports grounds is paramount and that Sunderland know their own stadium better than anyone.

“We had hoped that Sunderland, after reviewing their risk assessment, would have made a larger allocation available to our fans. But they concluded after that review that they could not safely manage more than 2,800 Middlesbrough fans in the Stadium of Light.

“Our aim has been to give as many of our supporters as possible the opportunity to see this eagerly anticipated cup tie.

“We know it is something our fans feel passionately about.

“However, the League has had to accept the request of Sunderland AFC to give us a reduced allocation and, regrettably, we have had to accept it too.”

Boro have been informed that the remainder of our 15% ticket entitlement will not be sold to home supporters and will therefore remain empty.

Tickets for the game, priced £15 for adults and £5 for over-65s and under-16s go on sale, initially to Season Card holders only, from 9am on Saturday morning.